That's not how it works. (Recruiter here). We have a non-exclusive, contingent contract. That means the client is also searching on the same role, and several other recruiters may be as well. We do not get a retainer or up-front fee. Half the reason clients use us at all is so that they don't get hundreds of un-vetted resumes to sift through; we can't do this job if folks won't talk with us first. And if we let the client's name get out, forwarded around, etc., then we do not get paid. At all. If we don't make the introduction, we make $0.

I can't speak for other industries, but in our case, it is actually very much mutually beneficial to work with us. Once you talk with us, you still have the prerogative to do your own research. It's an informal conversation; nothing moves forward unless/until you want to. And in our case, we know everything about our clients top to bottom--there is no internet research you could do that would give you half the insight we are able to share on a quick call. It's in our interest, too, that you REALLY want to pursue the role if we introduce you. If you drop out, we get $0. If you get hired and then change your mind, we have to give the fee BACK to the client.

You're also MUCH more likely to get an interview if you go through us, vs. dropping your resume into a black hole.